Tryouts are over. Now comes the hard part.
With the start of the regular season nearly a week away, the Broncos trimmed their roster to the mandated 53 players Saturday, leaving some surprising names on the cutting room floor.
Steven Johnson, a backup inside linebacker who played a prominent role in the defense last season when starters Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall were injured, announced his departure on Twitter.
"Denver I gave U my heart n soul!," he wrote. "I desire to be a Starter n a ProBowler! N it will happen in JESUS Name! #ThankYou So much #Salute"
Johnson played 14 games last season, starting seven and totaling a career-high 22 tackles (13 solo) and 10 special-teams stops.